Save the Light Rally NYC Update

At 7 a.m. this morning, I arrive outside CBS in New York City where they were setting up several things outside for The Early Show. I saw some other folks with Guiding Light shirts on so we chatted, and talked to a nice lady who told us where to stand for maximum TV exposure. As others started showing up, some with signs, security didn't seem very happy we were there. Eventually they forced us to move to a "special" area by the street and out of regular TV camera range - it was a literal kicking to the curb.

But that couldn't dampen our spirits. Lots of people wore GL shirts and buttons, many had very creative signs, and everyone was unified in hoping that this 72 year legendary television series would live on. Fans came from Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and, of course, New York. More states may have been represented but I didn't have a chance to talk to everyone.

We stayed at the The Early Show until it went off at 9 a.m. Kanye West was a guest today and I was hoping he would sing "Heartless" to security. Once the show ended, we marched our way to Lifetime headquarters about fifteen blocks away to make our presence felt there.

I don't know if we "saved" Guiding Light, but it was a lot of fun to meet other fans who care about the show and want it to continue. And at least we tried to make a difference.

I'll post pictures and video a bit later.

If anyone else attended at one of the other rally locations and would like to share your experience, please let me know.

This was a travesty! Us GL fans were told to leave the Early Show crowd and stand to the side. We were treated as a complete source of embarassment and shame by CBS personel. I felt like Yani Gellman in a scene with Chris Engen!

Unfortunately, I am not surprised by CBS' actions here. The only thing CBS understands or cares about is nielson ratings. That is why all GL fans should turn off the rest of the CBS daytime lineup immediately. If enough of us turn off Y&R and B&B THAT will get their attention. 5 million Y&R/GL viewers minus 2 million GL viewers = a 40% Y&R ratings collapse.

Oh, so typical to be seen as an embarrassment. CBS is tired of all the flack it is getting for canceling Guiding Light. well, HELLO, ya made a BIG mistake, CBS!! Hmmm, well, cudos to all the fans who had the guts to be there and speak out with signs and presence. I'd of been there if in anyway possible but I live in Florida. I did go support and met the cast at Universal Orlando which was a wonderful experience.

First of all Roger, thank you for attending and making sure this obvious censoring by CBS didn't get swept under the rug. I mean everyone uses the today show backdrop to make a pitch (we see all sorts of signs all the time)! Was there is spirit (from Los Angeles).

Hope that it was at least great to meet up with other fans - GL fans are the best!!

My sincere thanks to all GL fans for being in NYC today to support the show - I wish I could have been there. I hope Lifetime took notice of the support. I still have some hope that the show will live on in some way past September.

Amy, I was one of the first fans to "get a spot" where most fans stand and the lady who showed us that spot was very nice. But once some folks showed up with signs I think security started thinking we were going to be disruptive even though we told them we had no intention of disrupting the show.

People with signs mentioning other things were able to stay there. Nothing that happened would have made anyone think we were anything but peaceful, supportive fans, but they obvious perceived us as something else.

They also told us that our "special place" would still be shown during the show and they would put us on TV.

Bless all the GL and Otalia fans that could make it to the rally. It sounds like CBS showed what kind of people they really are. They obviously don't believe in freedom of speech. Well, I for one, will not watch anything else on CBS, and I will not buy products that are advertised while their shows are on. They don't realize that we are the people that they make their money from. They should'nt have treated the GL fans that way. Shame on them. I will do all I can to get friends and family and anyone that will listen, to not have anything to do with CBS again. Kudos to GL fans that were able to make it to the rally. You are a cool bunch, with lots of heart. We are not finished yet. Purple love to all of you!!

I thank all of you who came to the rally... and yes, it was very brave to stand up to CBS. I suppose they are not proud of how they have canceled this historic show, and so perhaps this is why they pushed you aside. I can not tell you how unhappy I was to not see you guys on TV! I had my eyes glued to the set! I only wished I could have joined you all, it was a work day for me, and I am in Texas so the logistics were hard...but after seeing your video, I really wished I had gone to be with you! I was so moved by it! I especially want to thank those who organized this...it was a fabulous idea! Keep those ideas coming!!! - (Elizabeth from Guiding Light Central)